Synonyms of circulate

circulate

verb

ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt 

1

as in to disseminate

to cause to be known over a considerable area or by many people

circulate the plans for the new stadium around town to get people's reaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disseminate
• propagate
• spread
• transmit
• broadcast
• impart
• dispense
• communicate
• convey
• diffuse
• disperse
• radiate
• dissipate
• pass (on)
• scatter
• sow
• sprawl

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hold (in)
• conceal
• secrete
• hide
• obscure
• contain
• veil
• restrict
• mask
• limit
• enshroud
• cloak
• shroud

2

as in to rumor

to make (as a piece of information) the subject of common talk without any authority or confirmation of accuracy

circulated a rumor that someone was about to be fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rumor
• whisper
• reveal
• suggest
• imply
• tell
• report
• hint
• noise (about or abroad)
• disclose
• gossip
• bruit (about)
• spill
• expose
• propagate
• divulge
• promulgate
• publicize
• proclaim
• dish
• spread
• bare
• tattle
• insinuate
• blab
• intimate
• broadcast
• let on (about)
• bandy (about)
• blaze

3

as in to spread

to become known

the prince denies the story about an extramarital affair that's been circulating in the tabloids

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spread
• get out
• unfold
• out
• break
• tell
• come out
• reveal
• get around
• develop
• leak (out)
• get about
• get round
• disclose
• transpire
• spill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• hide
• conceal
• disguise
• mask
• secrete
• hush (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of circulate

News of the theft was circulated to institutions across North America and a reward was offered, but nothing turned up. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

The sheriff's office also sought to rebut theories that had circulated publicly about the case, including claims that evidence was missing or the crime scene had been manipulated. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

His works have circulated widely on the film festival circuit including at Locarno, Toronto, New York, and Rotterdam. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Renderings of a supertall skyscraper proposed by the Allen Morris Company also circulated online last year. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026